Collectors & Martinis: Karla Mellett’s Immersive Solo Exhibition at Fandi Mata

Curated By Katrina Chiovon

Nestled in the heart of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York, Fandi Mata became a dynamic cultural hub this past February and March as it hosted Karla Mellett’s solo exhibition Collectors & Martinis. Known for its lush plant-filled industrial-chic interiors, globally inspired cuisine, and elevated cocktail program, Fandi Mata provided a fittingly atmospheric backdrop where art, fashion, nightlife, and contemporary culture seamlessly converged.

The exhibition opened on February 4 with an intimate opening event, introducing guests to Karla Mellett’s surreal, emotionally rich body of work. The evening set the tone for the series of events that followed, positioning the exhibition as an evolving experience rather than a static display. Visitors were immediately drawn into Karla’s world of dreamlike imagery, humor, and philosophical reflection, all grounded in an expressive visual language influenced by Surrealism and Expressionism.

On February 11 and February 18, Fandi Mata hosted signature live painting evenings alongside networking sessions, collector viewings, and influencer gatherings. These nights transformed the venue into an active studio-like environment where guests could witness the creative process unfold in real time while engaging directly with the artist and the broader creative community.

February 12, during New York Fashion Week, the exhibition reached a heightened cultural moment as Fandi Mata hosted a special NYFW event. The space transformed into a vibrant gathering point for artists, collectors, gallerists, creative directors, art dealers, and cultural tastemakers, reinforcing the venue’s growing reputation as one of Brooklyn’s one of the most dynamic destinations where contemporary art, dining, fashion, and nightlife naturally intersect. Guests filled the room over cocktails and dinner service as conversations around collecting, emerging talent, and the future of contemporary art carried throughout the evening. The atmosphere buzzed with press coverage, media attention, and excitement surrounding Karla Mellett’s rapidly growing presence among collectors and art enthusiasts.

On February 25, another live painting and collector-focused evening continued the momentum of the exhibition, welcoming both returning patrons and new guests into the evolving creative environment. The night drew a strong mix of art buyers, gallery figures, collectors, and enthusiasts who gathered around the immersive presentation while enjoying Fandi Mata’s lively dining and cocktail atmosphere. Multiple meaningful connections were formed throughout the evening, with five incredible works sold during the exhibition’s run, further establishing the show as both a cultural and commercial success.

A notable highlight of the exhibition was when Karla Mellett was interviewed live on stage by Parlor Social Club. The conversation offered insight into Karla’s creative process, artistic philosophy, and the relationship between their visual practice and performance work, adding a compelling and personal dimension to the evening while giving collectors and guests a deeper understanding of the artist behind the work.

The exhibition concluded on March 8 with a closing celebration, marking the end of a month-long cultural activation that transformed Fandi Mata into far more than a restaurant or venue. Over the course of the exhibition, the space became a living creative hub filled with art collectors, buyers, curators, enthusiasts, media, and members of New York’s creative community, a place where contemporary art was experienced through dialogue, atmosphere, connection, dining, and culture.